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Four days before the NFL scouting combine, former South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney remains at the top of key mock drafts.

But while safety D.J. Swearinger said last week the Texans shouldn’t pass on taking Clowney with the No. 1 overall pick, NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock highlighted a lingering question about the supreme athletic talent that will take years to answer: How bad does Clowney really want it?

“My biggest concern is just what’s his mental makeup and how important is it to him when he gets a big paycheck?” Mayock said Tuesday during a media conference call. “Does he become the best player in football or is he just going to be happy to be a millionaire?”

NFLDraftScout.com rates Clowney as the best talent available. Mayock didn’t disagree, based on athleticism and potential alone. Moreover, Mayock said Clowney is a “better football player with more upside” than Buffalo defensive end Mario Williams, whom the Texans selected with the No. 1 pick in 2006 after passing on running back Reggie Bush.

“I know that he’s got the physical makeup to be the best player in the draft. … From a physical skillset, this kid is as freaky as they come,” Mayock said. “He plays a position of critical importance in today’s NFL, which is an ability to get to the quarterback. He can play multiple places on the defense. So all those things jump off.”

After an unpredictable junior season at South Carolina, Clowney’s made an effort in recent weeks to repair his public image. Mayock said NFL teams will continue to wonder about the prospect’s heart and desire until draft day.

“That’s the most critical checking point here for an organization is finding out what the motivation (is), what kind of kid are they going to get?” Mayock said. “I know what the football player is when motivated. I just want to know what kind of kid I’m getting.”